Resolution To Run

Chances are, a lot of you have set some new fitness Resolutions. Great, me too! I have always loved to run [or jog, or walk fast]. I prefer being outside on roads and trails, not inside on a hamster wheel. Mr. Mo and I have been running at least one race event per month together for the last 24 months. We can now count 25, as of today! 🙂 Yep, we dragged ourselves out of our warm cozy beds while it was still dark outside, laced up our trainers and braved the cold to go run our first race of 2015. It was appropriately titled the Resolution Run 10K (6.2 miles). I thought I totally had this one in the bag. I warmed up and did lots of stretches. I was dressed appropriately for the cold. I was wearing my compression sleeves and compression shorts. Yep, all good to go. Or so I thought. But, I ended up having a rough go of it this time. For some reason my legs kept cramping up. I’ve never had anything like that happen, especially since I’ve been wearing my compression gear. I could barely walk the second mile, and then I had to stop continually and stretch during the final four miles. It’s a mystery. I’ve read that low potassium will cause leg cramps, so perhaps that was it. {note to self: eat a banana before next run}

I Married A Good Man

Mr. Mo, ever the selfless, loving soul that he is, refused to run ahead – despite the fact he’s never been able to cross a finish line before me, and this was his big chance. Nope, he stayed by my side the whole way, encouraged me and even held my hand and pulled me along from time to time. {aren’t I a lucky girl?}

Running Pays!

I had a funny thing happen, though. While I was stopping to stretch and examining my legs I noticed an icy wad of paper under my shoe. Wouldn’t you know, it turned out to be a $5 bill! What are the chances of that? So, there you go. Proof that running pays off in more ways than one!

 

The Victory Is Not Always To The Swift

In all my years of running, I’ve never NOT crossed the finish line [or in runners terms, marked DNF “did not finish”]. I was determined to keep that record. So, even though I was the very last to cross the finish line today (and yes, I insisted Mr. Mo cross first), it was still a victory! (and hey, thanks to a really small pack of people my age, I actually still won 3rd Place in my division! hahaha)

 

Consistency Is The Key

Despite being racing event enthusiasts, it’s hard to think of myself as a “runner”. I suppose I need to work on getting over that, but I think it’s because neither one of us has been consistent about properly training for these races. I know better. It’s how I ended up getting injured a year ago. I tore my soleus muscle (ever heard of a soleus before? Neither had I). I have been going to PT once a week ever since. So, to prevent THAT (or worse) from ever happening again, two of my New Year resolutions are regular training and daily stretching. I’ve broken it all down into tiny manageable chunks of “mileage per week”, and “mileage per month” so I can succeed. Now, Let’s see how I do! We have scheduled out all our races for the year. Our first Half Marathon (the longest distance we ever do) will be the Bryce Canyon Half in July (unless we feel up to tackling one sooner). I’ve got lots of time to be well trained for that!

Why do I run?

That’s easy. I run because of how great I feel when it’s over! 🙂

Some people run to keep in shape, run to lose weight, run to meditate, run to compete, or run to be able to eat more. I personally run for the endorphins, and for the free emotional therapy. When I go too many days without running, I start feeling cranky and depressed. Running (or, at least walking fast enough to get your heart rate elevated for 30 minutes) is seriously so great for a body! It’s considered some of the very best medicine you’ll ever invest in, and I agree!

There’s a raft of scientific evidence that proves that regular exercise (150 minutes per week, which is about 30 minutes five times per week)—and running in particular—has health benefits that extend well beyond any pill a doctor could prescribe. – Runners World

You Got This

Running adds years to your life and life to your years. There are multiple benefits to running, as mentioned here, here, or here! I realize not everyone can be “a runner” (although, many more can than think they can). But, no matter what your personal circumstances, each of us can do something to increase our physical fitness level and we can all move more. Our body is a wonderful gift. But, if we don’t use it, we’ll lose it.

So, if you’re looking for a little inspiration and motivation, just watch this awesome video! – MoSop